Newly created Kunduz districts still under Taliban control

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Residents and local officials on Monday said three newly formed districts of northeastern Kunduz province were still under Taliban’s control, asking the government to ensure their security.

Two months ago, President Ashraf Ghani traveled to Kunduz province and approved the creation of three new districts -- Aqtash, Kalbad and Gur Tepa. He also promised to send the required personnel to the districts.

Aqtash was previously part of Khanabad and Galbad of Imam Sahib district. Gur Tepa is located on the outskirts of Kunduz City. Residents and public representatives said the three districts were still being controlled by militants.

Provincial council member Maulvi Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar alleged the districts were infested with militants and the government had failed to ensure security there or provide proper facilities for public servants.

“The government has no plan for Kunduz, whose residents lost most of their belongings during the fall of the provincial capital. Our people have no confidence in the government,” he told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Kunduz City collapsed after a few hours of clashes on September 28. The Taliban remained in control of the strategic provincial capital for three days before the government forces wrested it back after a two- week operation.

Abdul Maroof, a resident of Khanabad district, said Aqtash area -- inhabited by thousands of families -- had been under Taliban’s control for the past six months. The government could not recapture it, he claimed.

The insurgents are said to have shifted some of the weapons and equipment they seized in Kunduz City to Aqtash where they have also planted roadside bombs.“Security forces should launch a ground and air operation to oust the militants.”

Acting Governor Hamdullah Danishi, however, assured the three districts would be cleared of militants during an operation to be launched soon.He said the district personnel would be posted after the offensive, he concluded.